In a historic victory for the Mirarr people, the traditional owners of Australia, the federal government has terminated the land leasing program for the Jabiluka uranium deposit. This decision ensures that mining will never take place on the land that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Mirarr. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside his coalition, has incorporated the Jabiluka site into the adjacent Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural importance. This move not only protects the land from future mining endeavors but also acknowledges and honors the long-standing connection of the Mirarr people to their ancestral territory. The addition of Jabiluka to Kakadu reinforces the commitment to preserving Australia’s rich cultural heritage and the environment, symbolizing a profound respect for the world’s oldest continuous culture.
The conflict over Jabiluka, which spans over three decades, saw numerous protests and legal battles spearheaded by Indigenous activists and environmental groups against Energy Resources Australia (ERA) and its majority owner, Rio Tinto Group. Despite holding one of the world’s richest uranium deposits, successive administrations, influenced by strong advocacy from the Mirarr and other Indigenous groups, have consistently refrained from allowing mining activities. The 2005 Jabiluka Long-Term Care and Maintenance Agreement granted the traditional owners veto rights over any future development, underscoring their pivotal role in decision-making. With ERA opting not to renew the lease and the federal government’s firm stance to protect the land, the Mirarr’s cultural legacy and the ecological integrity of the region have been secured. This landmark decision is celebrated as a testament to the resilience and enduring influence of the Mirarr people in safeguarding their heritage and the environment for future generations.
